Test-connector for electric wires.



A. KNEISEL.

TEST CONNECTOR FOR ELECTRIC WIRES.

APPLICATION FILED NOV-27.1911.

Patented Oct. 23, 1917.

ARTHUR KNEISEL, 0F CLEVELAND OHIO.

TEST-CONNECTOR FOR ELECTRIC WIRES.

Application filed. November 27, 1911,

test-connectors for electric wires, and has for its object the provision of a connecting member which will be extremely simple in construction, while possessing the advantages of securing the maximum efliciency, coupled with a low cost of production.

The principal utility of my improvement consists in mechanically and electrically connecting two or more wires carrying the electric current, such as telephone party line wires, in an improved manner. Inasmuch as these devices commonly are used out ofdoors, the need for efficiency, simplicity and cheapness is obvious, since devices of this character are required in very large numbers, and rarely ever are they used .a second time,

Accordingly, I have devised several types of test-connector which are herein shown and described in typical forms, as embodiments of my said invention.

Referring to the drawings which I shall later describe in detail, it is seen that the test-connector comprises a common metallic strip or body-member in association with a plurality of clips structurally adapted thereto and secured in place, preferably by screwbolts. Either the body member or the clips are suitably formed to fit one within or upon the other, so as to hold these members in proper relation and clamp the interposed wires firmly-in place. In these drawings,

Figures 1, 2 and 3, respectively, are top, end and side elevations of a two-wire connector embodying my invention.

Fig. 4. shows the preferred screw-bolt and nut partially sectioned.

Figs. 5 and 6, respectively, are to and side elevations of a modified form 0 testconnector adapted for. uniting three or more wires.

Figs. 7 and 8 are similar views of a twowire connector of another modified type.

Figs. 9 and 10, respectively, are top and end views of the main or body-member of still another modified type, while Figs. 11 and 12, respectively, illustrate two and three- Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Och-23, 191?.

Serial No. 662,569.

Wire test-connectors, embodying my invention in additional modified forms.

Throughout the several figures of drawings, I have employed the same character of reference, to indicate similar parts.

From an inspection of saiddrawin-gs, it is apparent that a commonbodiy-portion accommodates a plurality of detached washers or clips, each of which secures one or more wires thereto in the same or different planes and thereby mechanically and electrically connects said wires by means of the ample engaging or bearing surfaces afforded for said wires.

The respective structures as herein illustrated, are shown to be of such simple construction that any extended description is superfluous, but I will explain briefly the several types of connector embodying my invention selected and shown herewith. Referring to the first three figures, .a, the bodyportion, is cut from a bar or strip of suitable metal, such as hardened copper, and punched or bored adjacent to either end thereof. Two clips I) of identical form having overturned ends positioned adjacent to the edges of the body-portion, a, are respectively secured in place above the wires, 0, d, by means of the bolts and nuts, e, f. The heads of said bolts preferably are slotted,'and' the ends bored out as indicated at 6, Fig. 4,"so that the threaded end of bolt may be upset or slightly flared to prevent the accidental removal .of the nut. I

Except for the provision of an additional washer g, fitting within a recessed central body-portion a, and secured bythe bolt and nut, e, f, the test-connector of Figs. 5 and 6 is similar to the one just described. This is depicted as accommodating some four wires; two, k, 2', being placed transversely beneath the washer g, and two, a, (1, respectively beneath the terminal clips, I), b.

In the test-connector of Figs. 7 and 8, the body-portion a is provided with upturned edges a", above and below which are accommodated the washers g secured thereto by means of the bolts and nuts, 6., f. A slight modification of this idea finds embodiment in-an analogous body-portion, 3', shown in Figs. 9 and 10, wherein alternately disposed lugs, j, j, extend upon either side thereof for the purpose of embracing the superposed washers and wires, which are not shown in the drawings. Finally,-as adequately typifying additional variations of my improved construction, I may refer to Figs. 11 and 12, wherein the body-portion a is bent in different planes for accommodating the washers g, and the corresponding wires secured thereunder. 0n the one hand, the two wires are connected in different planes by the device, while three wires are accommodated in figure last named,

It will be seen that the several clips or washers and their respective connecting body-portions are so constructed, that when assembled, the screw-bolts bring them squarely into contact with the interposed wires. while holding the respective members against turning out of position. The overturned retaining edges provided either upon the clips or body-portions as shown, may, with advantage, be made of different lengths (see particularly Figs. 2, 4, 8 and 10) for the purpose of permitting the wires to be slipped into position, while engaging the edge of the opposing member to prevent the parts from turning out of position. Thus, the overlannino' lugs or shoulders provided upon these members, or the suitably shaped body-portions. serve to hold all the parts in alinement. while permitting uick and individual adjustment or release of the connected wires. The clips or washers are so proportioned as to afford relatively large bear ing surfaces which will hold the wires se curely' in place without breaking the hard outer skin thereof.

' Preferabiv, the washers and clips ill common with the body-portions, are stamped from hardened copper strips, although other sheet metal blanks may be employed; also the bolts and nuts are best constructed from brass, but of course, these materials and many of the details of form and construction herein specified, comprise no necessary part of my invention.

It will be seen that the test-connectors of my invention permit the independent connection of each wire or wires to be secured under a givenclip, so that the lineman may readily adjust the connectors without assistance. Moreover, with these test connectors, the disconnection of one wire for temporary nae apes testing purposes may be efl'ected, without interfering with any other wire or wires clamped thereon by additional clips, and thus affords a convenient and secure method of connection and disconnection.

With the structures shown, the several wires may be connected in different non-interfering planes and preferably upon opposite sides of the body-portion, when relatively few wires are connected. Dowm turned ends of the clips or angularly bent body-portions adjacent to the clips, afiord shoulder for alining the members of the test-connector and for retaining the inserted wires in alinement, hence my improved constructions are extremely convenient for their intended use. I

ll claim as new and desire to secure by Letters-Patent, the following l. A test/connector for electric wires comprising a strap-like body-portion, a plurality of retaining-members disposed on opposite sides of the body-member, each retainingmember being formed with a shoulder for constantly alining it with the body-member and being formed with a second shoulder for alining inserted wires, and screw mechanism for adjusting each retaining-member to the body-member individually of any other retaining-member.

2. In a test-connector for electric wires, the combination with an elongated and flattened metallic body portion, of a plurality of flat retaining-members disposed upon opposite sides thereof, associated alining and retaining shoulders respectively bent therefrom and adapted to hold the retainingmembers in alinement with the body portion and the wires normally in position, and individual screw-adjusting means for said retaming-members, proportioned to insure the normal engagement of the alining shoulders, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof ll affix my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

ARTHUR KNEISEL.

Witnesses:

Mann S. lFERnrs, ALBERT LYNN LAWRENCE. 

